Easy Squash Casserole Recipe

Squash Casserole

This squash casserole has been a staple at my family’s holiday table for as long as I can remember.

I’ve eaten more versions than I can count—some too bland, some too mushy—but I always knew what I wanted: tender squash and onions, a rich, cheesy filling, and that golden, buttery Ritz cracker topping that everyone fights over.

So I finally pulled together my own version—simple, comforting, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, a potluck, or just a random Tuesday when you’re craving comfort food,

I hope this becomes your go-to squash casserole too.

For the Squash Casserole

• Yellow Squash – You’ll need about 4 cups, sliced. This is the heart of the dish—tender and slightly sweet.
• Onion – One medium onion, chopped. It adds depth and savory flavor.
• Butter – Adds richness and is used for sautéing and mixing into the casserole.
• Eggs – Two large eggs help bind everything together and give the casserole structure.
• Cheddar Cheese – One cup of grated cheddar brings a creamy, cheesy bite.
• Milk – Adds creaminess and helps the eggs blend smoothly with the filling.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Just enough to season the casserole throughout.
• Cayenne Pepper (Optional) – For a little kick, if you like a touch of heat.
• Ritz Crackers – A whole sleeve, crushed, for that buttery, golden topping.
• Cooking Spray – To prevent sticking in your casserole dish.

Squash Casserole Recipe

A classic Southern dish, perfect for holidays or gatherings. Creamy squash and onion filling topped with a buttery, golden cracker crust.

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Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American (Southern)

Keyword: Squash Casserole Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 12

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter (for sautéing)
• 4 cups yellow squash, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter (for casserole mix)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed

 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced squash and chopped onion. Cook until soft and tender.
3. In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Stir in the grated cheese and milk until fully combined.
4. Add the cooked squash and onion to the egg mixture. Mix well.
5. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet used earlier. Add the melted butter to the squash mixture.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Stir to combine.
7. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the squash mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
8. Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the top.
9. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the casserole is set (it shouldn’t jiggle when moved).
10. Let rest for about 3 minutes before serving.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 448kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 653mg | Potassium: 568mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1384IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 2mg

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1. How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too watery?
   Squash naturally contains a lot of moisture. To avoid a watery casserole, sauté the sliced squash and onions until tender, then drain any excess liquid. Additionally, patting the cooked squash dry with paper towels before mixing it with other ingredients can help reduce moisture.
2. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. After combining all the ingredients and adding the cracker topping, cover the dish tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, and then bake as directed.
3. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
   Absolutely! To make a gluten-free version, substitute the Ritz crackers with your favorite gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as cheese and seasonings, are certified gluten-free.
4. What can I use as a substitute for Ritz crackers?
   If you don’t have Ritz crackers on hand, you can use other buttery crackers, breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes for the topping. Each alternative will provide a slightly different texture and flavor but will still result in a delicious casserole.
5. Can I add other vegetables or proteins to the casserole?
   Certainly! While traditional squash casserole focuses on squash and onions, you can customize it by adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. For added protein, consider mixing in shredded rotisserie chicken. Just be mindful of the moisture content of additional ingredients to maintain the desired casserole consistency.